12 Sep (NucNet): Westinghouse Electric has signed an agreement with Czech company Hutní montáže for the potential construction of Westinghouse AP1000 nuclear reactor units in the Czech Republic.
Westinghouse, a group company of the Toshiba corporation, is competing with Areva and a consortium led by Russia for the Temelin-3 and -4 project.
Areva is offering its European Pressurised Water Reactor (EPR1600) and the Russian consortium – comprising Skoda, Atomstroyexport and Gidropress – is proposing the MIR (Modernised International Reactor) 1200 unit.
Westinghouse submitted its bid to build two AP1000 units on the Temelin site in July 2012.
Westinghouse said in a statement yesterday that if awarded the Temelin project, Hutní montáže, would be responsible for performing most mechanical installation and corresponding construction testing, including assembly and installation of the containment vessel.
Westinghouse said Hutní montáže could also provide heavy lifting cranes and rigging to offload, transport onsite and set components into the plant.
Miroslav Precechtel, chairman of Hutni montaze’s board of directors, said in the statement that his company’s work with Westinghouse “would create substantial new capabilities” and expand its range of products and services, giving Hutni montaze access to nuclear and non-nuclear projects.
The strategic partnership follows a number of important agreements with Czech companies, notably I&C Energo, Metrostav and Vítkovice, “in an effort to establish a strong, diverse and high-quality local supply chain”, Westinghouse said.
The Czech Republic has six commercially operational reactor units: four VVER-440 units at the Dukovany plant and two VVER-1000 units at Temelin.
Temelin-1 began commercial operation in June 2002 and Temelin-2 in April 2003
